One of the many requirements for an HMO licence is a floor plan detailing the layout and room sizes.Â
This has recently been updated to assist Standards department within The City of Edinburgh council, ensuring that the minimum requirements are achieved.Â
The Edinburgh Letting Centre has robust processes in place to ensure that all submission requirements are achieved.Â
Poor preparation of the required documents can lead to significant delays in your HMO application and ultimately receiving your granted licence.
For all rooms (length and width of room and in the event of a coombed ceiling 1.5m clearly defined and measured from the coomb)
There are two types of HMO properties: with and without a communal living area. If there is a communal living room (at least 11 sqm), the smallest bedroom should be at least 6.5 sq. m, with a width not less than 2.25 m. On the other hand, if after turning a living room into additional bedroom the property lacks a real communal living space (for example big dining room adjacent to the kitchen would still count as a communal living space), then the smallest bedroom will need to be over 10 sqm.
Where there is a kitchen/lounge both areas are required to be clearly defined and sizes of both areas provided
There must be clear distinction in the designated kitchen and lounge areas. This ensures that the minimum space requirements are achieved.
Length of available worktop including appliances/facilities e.g. 320cm of worktop with 60cm Hob and 110cm sink/drainer
Please note that the required work surface for three people is 2.0m, for every additional person a further 60cm is required. This is an overall allocation which should provide appropriate space for kettles or microwaves which are not specific to an individual
Number of cupboards provided
A minimum of 1 cubic meter of storage is required for a minimum of 5 people. An additional 0.2 cubic metres for each additional person should be provided.
Locations of appliances/facilities should be clearly marked on plans e.g fridge/freezer, washing machine, boiler etc.
One reasonable size refrigerator and freezer for a maximum of 5 persons. One cooker with an oven, grill and 4 cooking plates or rings for a maximum of 5 persons.
Location and number of sockets throughout property
The number of electrical sockets throughout the house must achieve the following minimum requirements; 6 sockets in the kitchen, 6 in each of the bedrooms and 4 additional sockets anywhere else within the building.
Location of smoke/heat and CO alarms
The kitchen needs a heat detector, every bedroom, hallway, living room, bigger cupboards and cupboards with the fuse board (RCD board) will need smoke detectors. All alarms must be hardwired with a battery backup and interlinked (we recommend Bluetooth linked detectors). Realistically, properties already let will need additional detectors in bedrooms and possibly in cupboards. carbon monoxide alarms must be fixed by every gas appliance (hob, boiler, fireplace) or in equal distance between appliances. Alarms may be portable, with an enclosed non replaceable battery that lasts at least 7 years.
Location of fire appliances (Extinguisher, log-book fire blanket and fire action notice)
At least 1 fire extinguisher (attached to the wall in the hall) and a fire blanket (attached to the wall in the kitchen).
Contents of any cupboard on the escape route (i.e. boiler, fuse board, white goods etc.)
The landlord must apply and enforce a policy which allows the effective management of the common areas to ensure fire safety is maintained. In particular, the common areas must not be used for either storage of combustible materials or any obstructions that can hinder evacuation.
Observing the above checklist, you are sure to avoid any unnecessary delays and aid the progression of your HMO license.
Jennifer Breakwell
2025-04-17
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very professional and helpful. I have been using ELC to rent out my property since August 2022 and they have been very easy to deal with and very responsive to all property related matters. Would highly recommend to anyone. I then used ELC to sell my property and was very lucky to have Christina as my selling agent. I was selling from abroad and Christina just consistently went above and beyond for me throughout the whole process. I have never received such a personable and professional experience selling or buying a home, as I did this time with Chris. She was a godsend from start to finish and a true credit to Elc. I would recommend to everyone!
D Bro (Alotoffish)
2025-04-15
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I have had a fantastic experience, from the first moment I felt listened to and respected, throughout the entire process I have felt supported and we were able to get the sale we were hoping for, and I know it is due to the hard work of Christina and everyone else at ELC
Jade Taylor
2025-04-15
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Christina is a fantastic agent and was so helpful & assuring throughout the process of buying our first house. She was upfront, genuine & always came back to us very quickly whenever we had questions (& we had plenty!). Christina really steered the ship for us & got a lot done in quite a short timeframe. A lovely, first-class sales consultant. From J&S
David Garcia
2025-04-09
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Morgan was on time, very nice and helpful answering all my questions throughout the flat viewing and made me feel welcome. Thank you very much.
Adebayo Excel
2025-04-08
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great đź‘Ť
Louise Sofokleous
2025-04-08
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am a novice landlady but Alex of ELC was brilliant in helping organise all the relevant certificates and advertising the property. He informed me every step of the way. Morgan was also brilliant and answered all my many questions. ELC found tenants straight away and they moved in a couple of weeks later. Great service and would highly recommend.
Lisa Venter
2025-04-07
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The team at ELC have been a breath of fresh air.
Alex came back straight away with an application form and Holly was personable and helpful during the viewing. This was reassuring as it’s good to know you can communicate with your agents if you are renting and need support later down the line with the property. Loads of agencies out there are pretty rubbish at comms and use lengthy, clunky web processes so it’s good to experience this.
Helen
2025-04-04
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
